United Utilities gives equipment to North West Ocean School

The North West Ocean School was given new equipment by United Utilities to aid their conservation and beach cleaning efforts.

The new equipment was handed over to group leader Caitlin Parsonage and other volunteers during a litter pick on Allonby beach.

Ms Parsonage started the North West Ocean School to inspire children to become future scientists and sustainability advocates.

Youngsters bagging up litter (Image: Supplied)

Her sessions involve educating children about basic marine biology concepts alongside regular litter picking sessions.

The new equipment, including quadrats, measuring tapes, callipers, and geo sleeves, was donated by United Utilities’ Better Rivers Better North West Community Fund.

Ms Parsonage said: "I’m so grateful to United Utilities for providing us with this fantastic equipment and supporting us to pick litter and plastic bottles from the beach.

"The children have had a great morning.

A young member of North West Ocean School (Image: Supplied)

"I always leave these events on such a high and it’s fantastic to see young people looking after and caring for the environment where they live.

"Allonby is a Highly Protected Marine Area, the gold standard of marine protection, and is a truly special place for species and habitats.

"Some sharks and skates lay eggs and we’ve spotted lots of egg cases today, I’m always surprised at the wonderful nature we find here.

"Teaching our younger generations about marine biology and conservation has always been a passion of mine, and what better place to do this than at Allonby beach."

United Utilities joined in with the effort (Image: Supplied)

The Better Rivers Better North West Community Fund aims to support community groups whose activities benefit local watercourses and riverside environments, act as a catalyst for improved community and environmental wellbeing, reconnect communities to riverside environments, or promote sustainable drainage.

Groups can apply to the fund for up to £2,500 worth of support.

Andrew Kendall, county business leader at United Utilities, said: “We were pleased to be able to help Caitlin in her work to inspire the next generation to look after the environment.

United Utilities staff joined the clean-up with group leader Caitlin Parsonage (Image: Supplied)
 

"She’s doing a great job on the coast and we’re happy that this new equipment will make it easier for her group to clean up Allonby beach and boost conservation efforts.

"The fund is aimed at just these kinds of groups and it’s really rewarding to be able to support communities in their efforts.”

To apply for funding, email Stakeholderrelations@uuplc.co.uk.